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L...--GA Y AUSTIN----'
may 1979
Pro-choice demonstrators: McClellan "a traitor to her
sex:·
Opening of 'Pro-Life' Center
raws Protest
me 150 members and supporters
of the Reproductive Rights Coalition
were on hand April 8 to demonstrate
their disapproval o newly re-elected
Mayor Carol McClellan as he cut a
ribbon to mark the opening of Lifeline,
lnc., an affiliate of Alternatives
to Abortion International.
"You 're a traitor to your sex,"
shouted one demonstrator as the mayor
arrived.
McClellan has claimed in the past
that she is not anti-abortion. "It's a
woman' individual choice,' she told
demonstrators after the ceremony.
Park Patrol
Lifelin , Inc., off r servi ·es to prt: ·
nan t worn n in housing, medical car ,
and legal problems but does not consider
abortion an acceptable alternative
and is generally supportive of pregnancy.
Explaining the demonstrators point
of view, Marian Edwards of Womenspace
said, "We feel that the Austin
community has the right to know who
supports choice and who doe not.
Reproductive freedom means that the
w man has the right to make decision
about her own body. There just int
any freedom of choice when women
cannot obtain the information they
need." V'
Not Aimed at Gay Men
by Lar Eighner
Hetero exual flashers and rapist
appear to be the target of a plain-clothes
park patrol re ently instituted by the
Austin Police Department. The patrol,
involving officers in plain clothes and
jogging gear, wa announced. amid an
increasing number of complaints from
women of men who expose them elves
or attempt to molest women, particularly
on jogging paths and hike-and-bike
trails.
Unofficial urcc in the Austin
Police Department say that the entrapment
of gay men is not the object of
the new patrols, citing as evidence the
fact that most of the plain-clothes
officers will be women. The sources
refused to ay h wever whether the
several arre ts in downtown tearooms
during the first month of the year
would represent a continuing en-forcement
priority for the APD.
In the past, complaints of public
sexual acts and activities involving
minors had led to a campaign of strict
enforcement and harassinent of gay
men, particularly in Pease Park. Thi
campaignwa halted when police became
convinced that charges of activity
involving minors were groundle s and
when gay community leaders pressed
complaints of haras ment. The removal
of brush from certain area largely
eliminated the complaints of sexual
activity in the park.
Park curfews continue to be strictly
enforced against bot11 gay and traight
people, who are often subjected to body
searches if they are found in the park
after curfew. Increasing demand for
the use of the jogging trail in the Town
Lake area, however has moved the
City Council to lift the curfew there.
"\/
vol. 3. no. s
March
Preparations
Continue
HOUSTO - Preparations for the
October 14 Gay March on Washington
will move ahead when the Interim Steering
Committee meets in Hou ton on
May 18, 19 and 20 with delegates from
the 42 regions into which the country
has been divided. Each regional delegation
will consist of two women and two
men and will reflect as closely as possible
the region's ethnic composition.
Texas consist of four such regions.
Plenary sessions on Saturday, May
19 and Sunday, May 20 have been scheduled
as well as caucus meetings on the
-.-..... y/~·---...irtlo.--~-
1 th and 19th. The caucuses include a
leftist caucus a libertarian Republican
qucus a campus organization caucus
a business caucus a gay youth caucus,
a rural caucus a Third World caucus,
a women' caucus, and possibly, a men's
caucus. The ational Coordinating
Committee will meet after the Sunday
plenary session to plan logistic for
the march.
Meetings will be held on the University
of Houston campus and housing
will be available. Entertainment in
the form of bar tours and a concert by
Continued on page 8
Coalition Defeated
in Paily Texan Election
by Frank Proschan
Gay and lesbian students at the
Univer ity of Texas lost out in the
April elections for Daily Texan editor
and Texa Student Publication board
member. An ad hoc coalition brought
together gays, hicanos and Chicanas,
anit·nuke workers socialists liberal
Democrats and even a few Republican
in support of editor candidate Charlie
Rose and TSP candidate Mary Sue
Galindo.
Charlie Rose ummed up the defeat:
"Tiie opposition used a precxi
ting organized conservative voting
bloc, and we were an ad hoc coalition.
When you put individuals up against
an organization, the organization will
usually win.
Charlie Rose.
' If a progressive coalition including
gays is to compete on an equal basis,
we·n have to be a organized as they
are. That organization doe~n't exist at
Mary Sue Galindo.
Rose made "gay rights, lesbian rights,
women's rights and minority rights" a
major part of his campaign platform his
leaflets and his can1paigning. Galindo
promi d fewer ra ist and sexist'
cartoons and a greater sensitivity to
the repre entation of minorities on
the staff and in the paper. In the TSP
board race, I conducted an educational
ampaign to raise the issue of racism
exism, and ethnic hate and discussed
the Texan 's pattern of anti-gay anti-
Continued on page 8
2 may 1979 GAY AUSTIN vol. 3, no. s
Anti-Gay Lobby
Formed
WASHI GTO , D.C. - Claiming to
have 100,000 members and a budget of
$1 million, an organization called Chris·
tian Voice has been formed to lobby
against gay rights pronography, child
abuse and busing and in favor of the
death penalty. The group, which has
four lobbyists, is an offshoot of the
right-wing fundamentalist American
Christian Cause who e tax-exempt
status bars them from lobbying di·
rectly.
Christian Voice promotional literature
links homosexuality, abortion, the
ERA and pornography and states, "We
believe that America's rapid decline as
a world power is a direct result of these
things." It claims that "homosexuals
are rampant in our schools, our government
and even in many churches."
The organization's congressional advisory
committee includes Senator Orin
Hatch (R-Utah), Senator Roger Jepsen
(R-Iowa) and Senator Gordon Hwnphrey
(R- ew Hampshire). It has been endorsed
by eight House members including
Representative Larry McDonald
of Georgia, well known for his opposi-tion
to gay rights. Pat Boone, Lawrence
Welk and Art Linkletter are also listed
as supporters.
The organization's office is headed
by Gary Jarmin, legislative director of
the American Conservative Union, who
lobbied against the Panama Canal
Treaty and SALT negotiations, and in
favor of pro-South Africa and Rhodesia
policies.
Steve End en of the Gay Rights
ational Lobby says the new group
should be taken seriously. "This is a
very serious threat to our movement,"
he warned. "There is a strong possibil·
ity that Christian Voice may not only
scare Congress from legislation designed
to guarantee civil rights for lesbians and
gay men, but that the Christian Voice
campaign could also result in the enactment
of specifically anti-gay legislation
as well. While the immediate
impact would be felt at the national
level, Christian Voice's organizing and
development of constituent support
around the country could well even tually
have a profound impact on local
gay civil rights efforts as well." '1
Puerto Rican Socialists
Back Gay Rights
NEW YORK - An overwhelming majority
of delegates to the Puerto Rican
Socialist Party congress held last December
in ew York City approved a resolution
condemning persecution and
discrimination based on sexual preference.
The resolution states that homosexuals
suffer oppression in living conditions,
housing, and jobs and in public,
cultural and political life. It calls for
recognition of the rights of lesbians and
gay men as citizens and individuals.
PSP member Victor L6pez-Tosado
said, ''The anti-gay movement has been
?
;>
• ? ?
• ? .
using gays as scapegoats to divide the
working class. It is very important for
the struggle of homosexuals in Puerto
Rico and abroad that a major socialist
party has come out on their side. This
is a historical resolution also because
the party is mainly organized in a Latin
American country where oppression, as
a result of machismo etc., to homosexuals
is very common."
The PSP is an important force in
elections in Puerto Rico and is organized
in major Puerto Rican communities
in the United States.V'
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GAY COMMUNITY ERVICES ? HOTLINE 1
• 477-6699
IWY in Toronto: feminists demand lesbian rights.
Canadian IWY
Demands Lesbian Rights
TORO TO - The coalition which
organized Toronto's International
Women's Day demonstration in March
included lesbian rights for the first time
among their four demands. Until this
year, lesbian right had been only a
subsidiary concern for the annual event.
Canadian women and male supporters
demanded an end to harassment of
lesbians, full employment rights for
women, full funding of social services,
and free access to abortion and contraception
as well as an end to forced
sterilization.
The coalition stated, "Women are
fighting back. This past year we have
fought and are fighting for our rights
in the work place. We have organized
to oppqse changes in Unemployment
Insurance legislation. We've fought
against the attempt to shut down women's
services. We've organized to oppose
the attacks on lesbians and gay men.
Individually and collectively, we've
organized to resist the attempt to take
away the gains we've struggled long
and hard to win." '1
GAY AUSTIN is published monthly by Gay Community Services of the
University YMCA/YWCA, 2330 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas 78705. The
Coordinators of Gay Community Services Include:
Carr Strong General Coordinator
John Murray Publications Coordinator
Bob Prewitt Office and Peer Counseling Coordinator
Gary Reese Media Coordinator
Phil Conard Finance Coordinator
Paul Guttery Speakers Bureau Coord inator
Opinions expressed in GAY AUSTIN are those of the writer or editor
and not necessarily those of Gay Community Ser 1ices, the University
YMCA/YWCA, or the advertisers. The publication herein of any per·
son's name, portrait or photograph Is not an ind ication of that person's
sexual orientation. All contents copyrigh t 1979 by GAY AUSTIN .
Material may be reprinted withou t prior permission if credit Is given
to GAY AUSTIN.
GAY AUSTIN staff:
John Murra~r'--------------Managing Editor
David Morris News Editor
Phil Conard Advertising Man ger
CONTRIBU TO RS AND COLUMNI STS:
Frank Answers, Stan Bear, Rush Cheshire, Phil Conard, David Drake,
Lar Eighncr Dennis Haney Amme Hogan, Scott Li nd, David Morris,
John Murray: Bob Prewitt,
1
frank Prosc han, G ry Ree e, Georg Stoj·
cevic, Scott Van Osdol, Dan Transmission.
The followi ng publications were used In compll llng n tional and int r·
n tional news for this Issue of GAY AUSTIN :
THE ADVOCATE (Los Angeles) ; THE AUSTIN-AMERICAN STATES·
MAN (Austin); THE BODY POLITIC (Toronto) ; GAY COMMUNITY
NEWS (Boston); GAYSWEEK (New York); OFF OUR BACKS (New
York) ; SEVENDAYS (New York).
v
G
NE
Ne
ori
ser
vol. 3, no. 8 GAY AUSTIN
THE GAY PRESS
Gaysweek, The Body Politic, Gay News
NEW YORK - The publishers of
Newsweek have threatened court action
to prevent a three-year-old New York
publication from registering the name
Gaysweek with the US Patent and
Trademark Office.
Newsweek attorneys told lawyers
for the gay publication that "unless
Gaysweek is prepared to change its
mark and withdraw its application for
registration, Newsweek Inc. will proceed
with its opposition in the US Patent
and Trademark Office and will take the
necessary steps to restrain the further
use of the mark Gaysweek by your
client as well as for damages, court
costs and counsel fees.,, ·
Last year Patent and Trademark
officials rejected Gaysweek 's original
application for registration of its name
on the grounds it was "immoral or
scurrilou" '\!
Lobbyists Warn
of Ant·- ex Bi I
The Human Rights Advocates Lobby
has called to the attention of gay
activists and bar owners propo cd
legislation by Houston Senator Walter
Mengdcn which would regulate sexually
oriented conduct in establishments
serving alcoholic beverages.
Originally aimed at heterosexual
bars featuring topless dancers, the bill
(SB558) would outlaw nudity or
exposure of the female reast , the
cl ft of the but to ks, the vulva, t 1
nitals, or the anu of any patron
employee or entertainer in any e tablishmcn
t licensed to serve alcohol. In
addition, it would ban patrons or
entertainers in drag where drag is
already prohibited by local ordinance
and would outlaw touching, fondling
or caressing of the breasts, buttocks,
an us or genitals by any person on
the premises.
The bill places the burden of preventing
such activity on the bar owner and
violation of it provi ion would be a
Class C misdemeanor punishable by up
to 6 months in j ail and a 200 fine.
Texas Gay Task l·orce lobby coordinator
Kathy Deitsch and Human Rights
Advocate Bettie aylor claim that the
fact that the bill was sent unexpectedly
to the Senate State Affairs Committee
increases the po sibility of its passage
and that it should therefore be of concern
to the gay community. Other
ob crvcrs, however, point out tlrnt
Mengden has authored many similar
pi ce f 1 gi lation in the a t but th t
few of them have been taken seriou ly
by other legi lators.
The bill is currently in a subcommittee
of the Senate State Affairs Committee.
Meanwhile, a bill by Hou ton Representative
Tony Polumbo (HB907)
which would make substances containing
butyl nitrite and i obutyl nitrite
("poppers") available by prescription
only, is in a subcommittee of the
House Criminal Juri prudence Committee.
(See Gay Austin, April 1979 .
-DAVID MORRIS \l
A M0fHER'S DAY CONCERT
WITH I
me8 christian
AND AUSTIN ARTISTS
debradew
marce lacouture
lisa rogers
SUNDAY, MAY 13 HOGG AUDITORIUM
8:00PM ON THE U.T CAMPUS
ADMISSION $4.00
A BENEFIT FOR THE
CHILD CUSTODY DEFENSE FUND
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT WOMENSPACE. THE
"Y."COMMON WOMAN BOOKSTORE
TORONTO - Ontario Attorney General
Roy McMurty announced March 6 that
he had authorized an appeal against
the acquittal last February of The Body
Politic on charges of "using the mail for
the purpose of transmitting or delivering
anything that is indecent, immoral or
scurrilous." (See Gay Austin, March
1979).
The charges against the gay monthly
resulted from the publication in its
December '77 - January 78 issue of
an article on child-adult relations called
"Men Loving Boys Loving Men." The
article has been reprinted in the 1arch/
April '79 issue. ·
The appeal alleges that Provincial
Court Judge Sidney M. Harris erred in
holding that the entire issue, and not
just part of it, must be found indecent,
immoral or scurrilous in order to convict;
that he erred in holding that the
issue must be capable of causing clear
incitement to unlawful action; that he
erred in refusing to interpret the term
"immoral"; and that he erred in applying
the test of community tolerance.
The appeal is expected to be heard
this fall. V
ma\/ 1979 3
LO DO l - Gay News, the largest
circulation gay newspaper in the world,
has filed a formal complaint against the
British Government with the European
Commission of Human Rights in Strasbourg
after the House of Lords in February
decided to uphold the paper's
conviction on blasphemy charges.
The· conviction, which resulted from
the paper' publication of a poem containing
erotic references to the body of
Christ, is the first use in SO years of the
British law against blasphemous libel.
It was prompted by a campaign led by
anti-pornography crusader fary Whitehouse.
Gay ews argues that the bla phemy
law, which singles out the Anglican
faith for special protection, discriminates
on the basis of religion and therefore
violates Article I 4 of the European
Convention on Human Rights.
It i not clear whether a ruling by
:the Commission could overturn British
law. If o, and if Gay el s wins it
appeal, the British government would
be forced to drop its blasphemy laws
entirely.'\?
4 mav 1979 GAY AUSTIN \' )J. 3. l
Man/Boy Love Association Meets
EW YORK - The second meeting of
the orth American Man/Boy Love
Association AMBLA), founded last
December in Boston, was held Saturday,
March -4. at the Church of the Beloved
Disciple in ew York. The conference,
reflecting what orgainizers called "a new
sense of solidarity and mutual support"
among youth and adults, wa designed
"to spur the further organization of
men and boys to lend each other support
and to fight for our freedom, and
to exchange views with the lesbian and
gay community and to raise consciousness
on the subject of man/boy love."
The controversial nature of pedophilia
resulted in limiting the con ferencc to
those specifically invited to attend. "We
arc not afraid of a frank exchange of
views; indeed we welcome it,'' the letter
of invitation read. "However, we are not
interested in exposing our participants
to hostility and bigotry from others in
the lesbian and gay community. '
Brydon Denounced
David TI10rstad, member of the Coalition
for Lesbian and Gay Rights and
well-known writer (he co-authored The
Early Homosexual Rights Movement),
said many of the arguments used against
transgenerational relationships were the
same "as were used against the early
gay movement." Countering feminist
criticism, he said "There's an anti-sexual
strain running through much of the
women's movement. Women must listen
to men's experiences before rushing
into judgment."
Charles Brydon.
SEATTLE WASHI GTO -A Seattle
gay organization has published an open
letter denouncing Charles Brydon, recently
appointed to replace ational
Gay Task Force co-executive director
Bruce Voeller. The Seattle Committee
After Thirteen (SCAT), formed to
oppose local anti-gay Initiative Thirteen,
accuses Brydon, founder of the
business-oriented Dorian Group, of
activities "aimed at preventing participation
of those whose view differ
from his. He constantly sabotaged any
efforts to create coalitions of the
various scgmen ts of the gay community.
He monopolized access to the media,
often slandering other factions to prove
h1s ·tegitimacy' as a gay leader and
spokesperson."
The letter claims specifically that
Brydon red-baited o1her gay activists;
opposed the Gay Pride March of 1977
and the Lesbian Gay Rights March of
1978; refused to cooperate with SCAT
or Women Against Thirteen (WAT in
fund-raising efforts against Initiative
Thirteen; convinced bar owners to institute
a bi-monthly cover charge for
THE STUDENTS'
Depa
Read
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,,,. to make • purchaae with VISA or Mastercharge?
,,,. to •tart• Co·Op time payment plan?
If you have any of these needs; come by the Co-Op and give us a chance to
help. The University Co-Op, a Texas tradition since 1896. We want to be
your store.
-~
476-7211
2246 Guadalupe
,_
the sole benefit of Brydon's own organization,
Citizens to Retain Fair Employment
(CRFE), without informing bar
patrons; and prevented lesbians from
serving on the Seattle Women's Commission
after lobbying for and winning
a position as the Commission's only
male member.
SCAT cxpre sed hope that "this
letter will serve to strengthen GTF
and enable it to play a more progressive
role in tha national gay movement,"
and, referring to Jean O'Leary, GTF
co-executive director whose resignation
takes effect this June, called for an
effort to find a replacement for Ms.
O'Leary who will balance "some of
Mr. Brydon' tendencies."
Brydon declined to answer specific
allegations but said, " I am proud of
the record of achievement I leave in
Seattle. one of it would have been
possible without the substantial support
from the gay and non-gay components
of ur city. At base I had no power
other than what other people gave me.
SCAT's quarrel, it would seem, is with
success. That success was possible
because substantial numbers of people
gave me the kind of quiet support
that made it happen."
Kay Whitlock of the NGTF board
of directors responded to the letter by
saying, "We are confident that Mr.
Brydon s leadership will help NGTF
to continue to serve its broad range
of interests." "\l
706L6tll l treet
Cliff Bossert of Gay Youth said that
in his own experience he knew of "no
gay youth who were ever forced to have
sex," with older men. "All the eduction
was done by me."
A 14-year-old speaker said "I wish it
wasn't always the boy's deci ion to
make all the first moves, but I guess it
can't be helped until the age of consent
laws are abolished."
Tom Reeves, a representative of the
Boston/Boise Committee, placed the
blame for "treating youth as property'
on the "evil values of capitalist and male
hierarchical ociety ." He declared that
"humans belong to themselves, including
their bodies from ages zero to
one hundred."
pavid Thorstad argued that "it is
morally wrong and politically foolish
for the gay movement not to support
the rights of gay youth."
And Gay Youth of New York representative
Aner Canderario de cribed
his own organization as Hone of the
most vocal and visible of the militant
activist groups."
An organizational caucus agreed to
send a statement to the ational March
on Washington committee stating that
NAMBLA will endorse the October
March if the committee reinstates the
demand for repeal of age of consent
laws presented by the Gay Youth
Caucus of the Philadelphia conference
on the marchV
AUITIX. TSXAS
it
to
it
nt
U·
to
is
sh
rt
vol. 3, no. 8 GAY AUSTIN 5
LETTERS
Dear Friends:
I'd like to exchange ideas and inspirations and, hopefully, work
together to develop articles and books of religion and ethics that
are suited to the real world and are favorable to non-exploitive
sexuality, including homosexuality, and other humane attitudes
and behaviors. '
I believe that the cultural revolution we are part of not only
reflects our personal, individual needs for freedom and justice but
also can lead toward a sane, balanced, cooperative, peaceful, lo!'ing
world, the only kind worth having, the only kind that will survive.
However, to people well-trained in conventional religions and
moralities, the "Gay World" and "The Goddess" seem corrupt,
elitist or diabolical. Legal sanctions and protections for deviance
help but what we really need are respect and understanding. We
need God on our side. To be healthy and humane, people need
ethics and energizing, uplifting beliefs.
I believe it is conventional heterosexuality that is perversion and
a cause of arrogant nationalism, militarism, excessive human population
and other deviltries. But to overcome Leviticus and Paul so
·to convince the common person of the wisdom and righteousness
of bi-sc uality and homosexuality requires time, effort, courage
and miracles. If you have ideas to share, please write me.
Abigail (Capaldi Brown)
Women's rganic Health Farm
Bertram, Texas 78605
Wins Custody,
es to
WI DSOR, 0 TARIO - A county
judge ruled last January 17 in a divorce
c sc that a le bian mother may retain
custody of her two children but that
no ne may live with her without the
court's approval.
The trial included tc timony from a
child and family therapist to the effect
that sexual orientation was not an
important factor in determining a
parent's inability to raise children or
in the determination of the child's
own sexuality and the judge seemed
to agree. He stated, "The homosexual
factor is in no way a determining
factor - a factor that by it elf would
require removal of the child from the
cu tody of that parent."
But the judgmcn t also declared that
CAPITAL
COIN
COMPANY
3004 Guadalupe
s
"being rai ed in a homo exual atmosphere
by a homosexual parent openly
associating with other homosexuals
must be considered by the court as
negative when one view the principles
on which this country was founded
and the beliefs of the majority of
society in this country." he judge
further stated, "I am attempting to
improve the situation by preventing
any open and avowed lesbian or homosexual
relationship in the home."
Tlie anadian ruling was made the
same day the Michigan Supreme Court
reversed four lower court decisions and
restored cu tody of 12-year-old Jillian
Miller to her mother argarcth. The
Michigan case set the stronge t legal
precedent to date in favor of the rights
of lesbian mothers."V
472-1676
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2CY% discount on gold jewelry and coin supplies
with this ad.
VIEW PO T
If the mind goes, the body still functions, said a fonner Austin resident. I
wondered if the might be speaking of the Texas legislature. Upon checking it
out, I realized that while the first part of the statement could be so applied,
the second had nothing to do with the legislature. You wnat bodies? You go
to a g;1m or a racetrack.
And peaking of horses, have you noticed how a spirited horse will shake
its head even as it trots fonvard?
Not to draw too many analogies, but did you notice how Gov. Bill kept
sha'Aing his head, no he 1vould11 't get rid of GOMA, ei1en while he was heading
straight for it? But really, folks, isn't it better that there not be an ofFzce for
migrant affairs? As solid and steady a.citizen as Gov. Bill is, I feel certain that
any affairs Jze has will be more than migratory.
For instance, good solid Gov. Bill has volunteered his very own home state
to be the site of nuclear wastes, which will plague, uh, be with us for years to
come. Centuries. The Gov. must be intending to make our state a very solid
place, stable in politics and government for a few thousand years to insure that
nothing bad happens to that nuke waste (never mind what happens to our
citizens), doesn't get in the possession of the wrong people (always worried
about possession, our "law '11' order' officials). But I can assure them, the
''right" waste in the "right" places ·will insure tlzat there will be no one left
to use the waste wrongly. And no one to te"orize. Sigh.
But there's hope. Do you feel a desire to dress children in red, white and
blue, force them into the fields to work? Do you want child molestation/abuse
to be referred to as "corporal punishment"?
Well, my friend, open some children's homes, donate about 68,000 to a
·winning gubematorial candidate's campaign, talk about god and Communists
(or God and communists, isn't it?), and just start beating the kids with boards.
Call it licks. You will be hailed as a Christian savior, folks will send you their
hard-earned money to support your "cause."
Now, if the public finds out you are gay, forget it. You will b~a pervert of
gamy savor, your homes ill be closed, etc. You can only win at this game if
you are ·white, male, Christian (OR Baptist), 11011-gay and over forty.
Own e your name to ( 1o) Lester Ripoff.
In the interest of tile public outcry, l ltope all you folk got out and voted
again t t z nu · . I ·n v it · / 't 1 o . · i • o
think "I told 'em so," in the mi/Ii ec before ve're all blown a vay.
Isn't it interesting how conveniently the Mansfield Dam accident was timed?
So some of our more intelligent council folk could say "No one died at Harrisburg."
Yes, t1Ue, but wait till you see the new line of humanoids our power
companies are designing to be released in a [el years or nine months after
Harrisburg.
And how astounding that 1ansfield caused a power failure in Northwest
Austin which then tumed out hugely to vote FOR the nuke. o v, I'm not one
to throw innuendoes or bandy accusations, but HOW CONVE TENT.
How messy for the seven 1vho died - for the uke.
-AmmeHogan
French Cuisine, Courtyard, & Bar.
Open 11 a.m. until midnight
Bakery open Fridays &
Saturdays until 2 a .m.
314 Easr 6t St.
6 may 1979 GAY AUSTIN vol.3, no.s
Reproductive Rights Coalition·
Twenty-five local organizations
marked the International Day of Action
for Reproductive Freedom on March
31 by announcing the fonnation of the
Coalition for Reproductive Freedom.
In a statement announcing its formation,
the coalition explained, "We wish
to call attention to the threat posed by
a small but well organized and well
financed group seeking to deny the
basic right of choice . . . A woman's
right to abortion, established by the
1973 Supreme Court decision, must be
preserved by resisting attempts to limit
the availability of abortion services. We
cannot go back to the horrors of illegal
abortions and compulsory pregnancy
... On this day of International Action,
we especially appeal to lawmakers of
the 66th session of the Texas Legislature
to be responsive to the needs of
women and the right to reproductive
freedom."
Among the organizations making up
the coalition are the Austin Lesbian-Gay
Political Caucus, Gay Community Services,
Womenspace, the Center for
Battered Women, the Texas Abortion
Rights Action League, the Black Citizens
Caucus, Red River Women's Press,
and the Mexican-American Business and
Professional Women's Association.V
TV Evangelist
Fights Cancellation
DALLAS - Evangelist James Robison,
whose weekly program was dropped by
Dallas television station WF AA-TV as a
result of an anti-gay sermon (see Gay
Austin, April, 1979), has hired a lawyer
and asked for a hearing with the Federal
Communications Commission in an attempt
to have his program reinstated. If
the attempt fails, Robison may follow
his lawyer's advice and sue the station.
Robison's program has been cancelled
and reinstated in the past for
anti-gay comments, but chances appear
slim for his current effort. In accordance
with the Communications Act of
1934, the challenge would have to come
through the courts.
David Lane, station manager of
WFAA-TV, says the station has received
about 3500 cards and letters
concerning the case and that they run
40 to I against cancellation of the
program.
Of the 80 stations broadcasting
Robison's weekly sermons, WF AA is
the only one to cancel the program. v
Tt-iE
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472-0018
Election night: anti-nuke victory narrowly missed.
Citizens opposed to Austin's participation in the South Texas Nuclear Project gathered
election night to watch the votes being counted and to express their continuing concern.
Although early returns indicated defeat for the nuclear power plant, pro-nuke votes edged
their way to victory later in the night Opponents of nuclear power, including many lesbians
and gay men, have vowed to continue the struggle June 2 at a rally at the STNP site in
Matagorda Bay. For more information on the June 2 rally, call the Mobilization for Survival
at 474-2399.
WOMENSP ACE is a non-profit organization devoted to
providing a supportive environment where women can share
resources, discuss alternatives, gain insight, confidence and
strength. Free, confidential, walk-in counseling is available
on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, 7:00 - 10:00
PM, and by appointment during the day. In addition,
WOMENSP ACE provides information and referrals for medical,
legal or psychological help in the community. Every
riday night, WOMEN PACE sponsors a coffeehouse for
women in our main room with special programs or speakers
on issues of importance to women. We are located above
Sommers Drug on the drag. WOMEN SP ACE is a project of
the University Y and Travis County. Our telephone number
is 472-3053.
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vol. 3, no. 8 GAY AUSTIN may 1979 7
the gay movement
in latin america STRUGGLE, GROWTH
BOSTON - A series of articles by Allen Young in Gay
Community News of Boston describes a small but
growing gay liberation movement in Latin America.
Largely ignored by the media, the movement has
developed within the traditional left in Brazil and
Colombia as a counterforce to the narrow economism
of orthodox leftist parties which persist in viewing
homosexuality as bourgeois decadence and in labelling
feminism and sexual liberation as petit bourgeois
concerns. Implicit in the arguments of the gay activists
is the assumption of socialist victory throughout
Latin American in the next few years.
In Colombia, the male-dominated Movimiento de
liberacion Homosexual as well as radical feminist and
lesbian organizations resulted from the founding in
1975 of Ca"eta Libertaria, a libertarian socialist
· magazine, by leftists who had become disenchanted
with the authoritarian Marxist:i,eninist parties. The
MLH in tum has been publishing its own magazine,
El Otro, has aided in the formation of several other
groups in Colombia, and has organized discussions
ranging from small secret meetings to a large public
forum in the university, but has not yet reached the
point of staging rallies and demonstrations. There are
hopes of holding a national conference later this
~ear.
In an interview with Young, Leon Zuleta, the most
prominent spokesperson for the MUI, commented
that "in this asexual left, one discusses sex only to
moralize about it in the most bourgeois way, while
the left's own activists are considered to be abstract,
without sex." Zuleta says socialists offer solutions to
the economic plight of the workers while ignoring
their "cultural and sexual misery."
The MLH and feminist groups have found leftist
resistance to their ideas stre·ngthened by the left's
attempts to bolster its own tenuous alliance with
the Roman Catholic Church, the more radical elements
of which tend to agree with socialists on economic
questions but remain recalcitrant on the questions
of contraception, abortion and homosexuality.
In its discussions the MLH deals with prostitution,
sexuality, sex roles and transvestism (widely practiced
among the poor), and has taken positions against the
nuclear family, in favor of legalized abortion and contraception,
and "against virginity as a repressive
concept."
Meanwhile, Brazilian gay liberation has a history
paralleling that of the Colombian movement. Like
their Colombian counterparts, Brazilian homosexual
activists represent a dissenting minority within the
orthodox left, a position they share with Blacks,
Indians and feminists.
The Brazilian gay monthly Lampitio, recently the
object of government harassment (See Gay Austin,
March and April, 1979), is one product of the movement.
A sign of progress for Brazilian gay activists was
their inclusion in a week-long forum on "The Nature
of the Liberation Movements" held last February at
the Faculty of Political Science of the University of
Sao Paolo. The forum was marked by a variation on
a classic form of political polarization. Joao Silverio
of Lampiiiv stated, "On the one hand, there were
groups of white students and professionals expressing
their loyalty to the class struggle, in the traditional
line of the orthodox left, giving priority to economic
phenomena. And, on the other hand, the representatives
of the groups which suffer discrimination
affirming the originality of their situation, their criticisms,
and their analy is, not covered by the class
struggle but no less important in the transformation
of ociety. '
Rejecting accusations that their efforts were divi-sive,
representatives of the United Black Movement
Against Racial Discrimination insisted on the need
for "ideological self-determination and their racial/
cultural identification as primary elements in confronting
racism.''
The traditional left criticized feminists in a similar
way, labelling their concerns as "petit bourgeois."
Lampicio reported that "when one woman in the
audience, a Catholic who rejected the feminist stance
on abortion, declared that she was 'faithful to her
husband, her nine children, and her housework,' the
left-wing sector of the audience applauded with enthusiasm,
unconscious of its own machismo and of
the essential conformist position of this woman."
But the liveliest discussion of the forum followed a
presentation on homosexuality by staff members
of Lampido and members of the gay organization
Somos (We Are). Lampiiio reported that "when an
attempt was being made by audience members to view
the gay question through the prism of the left, someone
in the audience rose to speak: 'I'm going to tell
you what many of the people in this audience are
dying to hear. You want to know if the gay movement
is leftist, rightist or centrist, isn't that correct? Well,
you might as well know that homosexuals understand
that the right-wing considers us an affront to morality
and the family. For the left, we are a product of
bourgeois decadence. In truth, the objective of the
gay movement is the search for happiness, and for
this reason it is clear that we are going to struggle
[alon~ide anti-government forces] for democratic
freedoms. But we will participate in this struggle
without following anybody's line, without linking up
with so-called vanguards.' "
Several speakers pointed out that in socialist countries
discrimination against homosexuals and the
virtual exclusion of women from positions of power
are the rule.
Yet while differences between leftists and the
Latin American homosexual movement generate
dialogue, differences with Latin American governments
generate repression. So far, the Brazilian military
regime has not been openly oppressive of gay social
institutioQs like bars, baths and cruising places, but
has attacked Lampiao, the first visible symbol of a
serious gay political movement. And it is the politicization
of the homosexual community, Lampilio
editors feel, that may precipitate general repression
of that community.
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8 may 1979 GAY AUSTIN
'SEXUAL STATUS' BILL
PASSES CONNECTICUT SENATE
HARTFORD, CO NECTICUT - A bill
to ban discrimination on the basis of
'sexual status" in housing, licensing,
employment and state services was
approved by the Connecticut Senate
on April 4 by a vote of 19 to 17.
The term "sexual orientation," used
in earlier versions of the proposed legislation,
was changed to ''sexual status"
to include cohabiting heterosexuals.
The Connecticut Gay Task Force says
the change in wording and coverage
considerably improves chances for pass-age
of the bill since it is no longer
specifically gay.
Senators also voted to approve an
amendment to clarify the definition of
the term "sexual status."
Gay Task Force members consider
the bill "a logical extension of the 1969
Privacy Act, which repealed Connecticut's
sodomy law; behavior which is
not criminal should not be allowed to
be a basis for discrimination."
Opposition ot the bill is expected to
be much stronger in the House of Representatives
than in the Senate.1\]
Massachusetts Governor
Fires Women's Commission
BOSTO - Massachusetts governor
Edward King fired all 40 members of
the Governor's Commission on the
Status of Women (CSW) last March 28
GAY RIGHTS
DENIED
AT JUNIOR PROM
CUMBERLAND RHODE ISLAND -
Seventeen-year-old Paul Guilbert plans
to pursue his desire to take a male escort
to the Cumberland High School
junior prom despite opposition from
his parents and school officials and
abuse and resentment from his fellow
students.
A hearing on Guilbert's request scheduled
earlier by school officials was
cancelled at his parents' insistence.
immediately after the commission fulfilled
its customary role by writing him
a letter evaluating his proposed budget
with respect to its impact on women.
The letter criticized King's elimination
of cost-of-living increases to welfare
families, his opposition to Medicaidfunded
abortions, his rejection of
sliding-fee day care, his failure to fund
a training program for displaced homemakers,
and hie inadequate funding of
home care for the elderly. The Commission
praised King's efforts to clean
up welfare fraud.
King announced plans to name a new
commission of 25 members serving conterminously
with him and at his pleasure.
Under the new plan, the group
would be limited to advising the governor
on violent crime against women,
child abuse and displaced homemakers.
' o man should be selecting priorities
for a women's commission," declared
ousted CSW vice-chairwoman
Sheila Clemon-Karp. "A women's commission
should and always has chosen
its own priorities. '1\7
STRAIGHT MEN
Ray Hill.
MARCH ...
Continued from page 1
women has been planned, and religious
services have been scheduled for
Sunday.
Ray Hill of Houston, interim chair
of the steering committee, says that
interest in the march is increasing and
that if as many as 80% of the regions
send delegates then a successful march
is almost assured. He says he went to
the Philadelphia conference at which
the event was originally planned with
no commitment to backing it but with
an open mind, and was impressed.
"The Philadelphia conference was
the most sensitive, the most self-critical,
the most self-analytical I have been to
in 15 or 16 year of attending gay
conferences," Hill said. "I've never
seen a conference as open to Titird
World and women's input. There was
no fighting, no struggle for power."
Other observers fault the conference
as being dominated by those who could
afford to attend, that is by well-to-do
white men, and claim the Houston
meeting will be similarly unrepresentative
despite good intentions and
sensitivity to the needs of ethnic minorities
and women.
Local activists point out the difficulty
of choosing delegates to represent
areas as widely separated and diverse
as El Paso, Amarillo and Austin, all of
which are in the same region.v
Guilbert says his parents accepted his
sexual preference when he came out to
them but 'blew their top" at his request
to take a male friend to the May 4
dance. "I feel I should be able to go,"
he said. "I have just as much right as
any other junior to go. '
Guilbert was shaken by his schoolmates'
reaction to his request. "I'm
very nervous," he aid. "They were
yelling and screaming, practically the
whole student body. Every class I went
to, people stopped to look at me. They
asked me for my autograph. It was kind
of sick." 1\7
TO CHAIR NO.W CONFERENCE
Aprll 25· M•7 2C
w.ct.- Set. 8:00 pm
Suncl•y 2:00 pm
•I perlotmances $5.00
tlclrets now on s9
4'18·4538
«It & l.M'eca St.
EW YORK - Doug Fraser, head of the
United Auto Workers, and Thomas A.
Murphy, chairman of General Motors,
are among those selected to co-chair a
ovember, 1979, conference on· the
Future of the American Family sponsored
by the ational Organization for
Women. Other co-chairs of the one-day
event are Equitable Life Assurance Society
president Coy Ecklund; Senator
Charles Percy; and advertising executive
Jane Trahey.
Muriel Fox, co-founder of NOW and
organizer of the conference, said, "I
think it's very important to raise the
consciousness of establishment people
and I hope we get as many of them
there as possible"
The conference will feature a $20-aplate
luncheon at which Betty Friedan,
lvin Toffler and Isaac Asimov will
peak on the future of the family in
"an era of growing equality."V
I. 3, no. s
ELECTION ...
Continued from page 1
ethnic, and anti-women stereotypes,"
she said.
Rose reviewed the election, noting,
"Gays and lesbians didn't bother to
vote because they are more interested
in traditional party politics and did
not seem to be so concerned about gay
rights in the University." Rose conceded
that there haven't been any dramatic
issuesto mobilize UT gays. But, he
aid, "there are issues that gays on
campus could mobilize around, and
the editor of the Texan could address
those issues, things like the Texas Penal
Code and other legislative matters."
Rose and editor candidate Tom Kessler
throughout their campaigns were answering
rumors and innuendos spread
by anti-gay forces, and both were
victims of vandalism to their cars the
night before the April 4 election. Rose
observed, "It's somewhat ironic that
gay people aren't more politically inclined,
because there's certainly a lot
of anti-gay hysteria, of homophobia, on
the UT campus. One thing that mobilized
the conservatives in the race was
their perception that someone who
was sensitive to gay rights stood a very
good chance of assuming the Texan
editorship.
"If a heterosexual encounters this
homophobia, a gay or lesbian doesn't
stand a chance as a candidate for
anything."
But, Rose noted, if gays and other
minorites organized, they would have a
decisive role in UT elections. "There are
enough gay and lesbian people on campus
that if even 50% were to vote for a
single candidate, that voting bloc alone
would be sufficient for victory," Rose
added. "A bloc of gays, Chicanos, and
other minorities could easily win any
UT election."
The low voter turnout for campus
elections and the anti-nuke referendum
means that whoever is better organized
to turn out voters will win. "The only
organization on campus is conservative,"
Rose observed, and something
more than an ad hoc, improvised
coalition is needed to mobilize progressive
forces.
The winning candidate for Texan
editor, Beth Frerking, did not take a
gay rights stand during the campaign,
but afterwards promised a change in
the Texan when she takes office· this
summer. "In the past," she stated,
"coverage has been primarily concentrated
on entertainment events. I would
plan to include the whole scope of
concerns - legislative problems as well
as campus activities.'' Regarding the
stereotypes in this year's Texan that
minorities have considered insulting,
Frerking said that when she becomes
editor, "biased writing or writing that
stereotypically portrays groups negatively
will be discouraged.''
Vicki Beal, winner in the TSP
board race, aid she would like to see
the currently vague TSP guidelines
made more specific. Instead of requiring
"good journalistic practice," she's Hke
to sec "more spcci fie guidelines of what
good journali tic practices are.'' As for
insulting stereotypes, she noted,"The
board's responsibility is to open ourselves
up to complaint from readers if
things are raci t or exist. If a real
problem e i t then a policy change
may be needed. 'V
vol. 3, no. 8 GAY AUSTIN ma) 1979 9
FRANK ANSWERS
Editor's Note:
Frank is a professional family /relationship counselor with extensive
experience in ef~ectively handling the unique problems of gay
men and lesbians. We are providing this space as a service to the
lesbian and gay community of Austin. Please address all correspondence
to: FRANK ANSWERS, c/o GAY AUSTIN, 2330 Guadalupe,
Austin, Texas 78705.
Dear Frank,
My lover and I have been living together for the past three years
in a mutually gratifying sexual and social relationship. The problem
that has arisen is frightening to me because I don't know how to
handle it. My lover has a drinking problem. He hits the bars every
night and starts to drink for breakfast "to get rid of the hangover."
I have stopped drinking in direct proportion to his increases. If I
mention the fact that I feel his drinking is getting out of hand, he
becomes very defensive and tells me to drop it. What can I do? I
love this man very much and it tortures me to be so helpless. Please
help me if you can. There is no other place that I can turn.
- Worried
Dear Worried,
It is almost always a mistake for family and friends to focus their
concern on a loved one's "drinking too much." Usually this will
result only in recurrent arguments over how much is too much,
while the problem gets worse. The fact is, an alcohol problem is not
just a question of the amount of consumption, b~t is instead a ~omplex
socio-emotional issue that can best be dealt with by an unbiased
professional.
In order for you to deal at all effectively with the problem, yo_u
will need to focus not on the drinking itself, but on the problems it
creates in your relationship. You do not mention these problems. in
your letter, but my background in this ar~a tells me they do exis~.
Right now there may be only the occas10nal arguments over his
drinking episodes, but progressive dependence upon alcohol results
in a decreasing ability to cope with the demands of daily living. If
this is what is happening to your lover, then the effects will soon
show up in the way you two get along. If and when your lover's
drinking does seriously interfere with your relationship, then y~ur
best tactic for getting him to professional help will involve convincing
him of this fact.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
MAY 4, 1979
HOUSE DETECT VE
MONDO NEXUS
FRENCHMEN
POOL ENCOUNTERS
LONG JOHNS
CREME DE BANANAS
Thursday Buddy Day
Discounts for
Stud.e..n ts and Militar
Let me say further, though, that there could be a number of
reasons for a rapid increase in an individual's alcohol consumption,
and that not all of these reasons are cause for serious concern. If
your lover only recently began drinking, or has only recently been
free to drink as much as he wants to, he may only be experimenting
with the new and exciting experience of an alcohol "high. ' In this
case he will most likely adjust his consumption downward after the
novelty wears off and after he has experienced a few hangovers.
You have more serious cause for concern if your lover s drinking
appears to be his way of coping with emotional problems such as
depression, or if he regularly drinks alone. Any of the following
may also be a warning sign that a mo~e serious problem is developing.
1. Gulping or sneaking drinks because of shame over the amount
consumed.
2. Decreasing ability to decide when to drink, with consequent
drinking at "inappropriate" times.
3. Periods of consciousness while drinking which totally disappear
from the memory (blackouts).
4. Hangovers involving severe physical and/or mental pain.
Professional help for an alcohol problem is ava~able fro~ a
variety of sources, although many of these are qmte expensive.
Low cost services are available to UT students through the Counseling-
Psychological Services Center, and to other Tra~ County
residents through the Mental Health-Mental Retardation Center
of Travis County. Similar services are available through the MHMR
system in most areas of Texas.
-Frank
Continued on p a ge 14
.Cf BIRTHDAY PARTY & COSTUME BALL
Live Stage Review
COSTUME CONTEST Cash Prizes
Tickets on · sale at all PRESIDIO THEATERS Fr i day
Tickets at the PARAl«>UNT
Saturday 10:00 a.m. til 8: 00 p. m.
-- pi10tos by Rush Chesire
--photos by Cindy Gillingham
12 may 1979 GAY AUSTIN vol. 3, no. s
AUSTIN 130TANICAL
Those plants with large pink flowers growing along with bluebonnets are
named Oenothera (pronounced ee-noh-THEER-ah.) They grow wild throughout
the south and u ually flower all spring. In my opinion they really ought to
be cultivated and if I had a flower garden, I'd plant them.
They have four petals, eaight stamens and a single pistil whose stigma has
four branches. Close examination of a flower will reveal that the bases of the
petals are fused with the sepals and together they form a tube, at the base of
which sits the ovary. If you slit the ovary with a sharp knife, razor, or fingernail,
you can ee the numerous hite "ovules." The pollen is shed in a rather
unusual way. Instead of individual grains sifting out of the anther, the pollen
comes out in masses attached to long, thin, sticky strands of material like a
spider's web.
These plants are also called "primroses" and "buttercups" by some people,
but this can be quite confusing because there are many unrelated plant species
which have those as common names.
Diagram of male and female gametophytes just prior to fertilization (the tissues
of the pistil are all stippled)
Mo t people have the notion that pollen fertilizes a flower and that makes a
seed. This idea is simple-minded and not really correct. The more botanically
accurate story is this: pollen is formed in the anthers and gets transported,
usually either by wind or insects, to the stigma. There the- pollen grain breaks
open (genninates) and a very small plant grows out of it and into the tissues of
the stigma and ~tyle. This small plant, called the male gametophyte, is a relatively
long, microscopic tube which contains two to three cells. One of these
cells divides and makes two spenn cells.
The ovule is not it elf an egg. Rather, it is the structure which contains the
female gametophyte. The female gametophyte is an oval sac which contain
about eight cells, one of which becomes the egg.
When the male gametophyte has grown all the way to the female gametophyte,
one sperm unite with the egg cell and an embryo begins to grow. The
other spenn cell unites with two of the other cells of the female gametophyte
and from this union of three cells grows the tissue of the seed which will provide
the nutrition for the embryonic plant. \l
vol.
b
ere a
go in
the
"An
oft
tens
part
but
ad-Ii
ro-vol.
3, no. 8 GAY AUSTIN ma;,
PEQfOQMINC AQT&
by Gary Reese
One of the best kept secrets of this, or any, season of Houston's
Grand Opera was the scenery and costumes which Paris-born stage
director Jean-Pierre Ponelle ha9 created for the company's new
production of Verdi's La Traviata. HGO officials weren't allowing
very much, but one thing they did release in advance was the price -
half a million dollars, more than twice the cost of HGO's opulent
mounting of Der Rosenkavalier, revived earlier this year - and a
hefty escalation, even considering today's inflation rates.
Ponelle and his costume designer Pat Halmen brought with them
a dramatic conception rarely realized in this country - where abstract,
symbolic elements mingle with starkly realistic settings to
create a total theatrical effect. Jn Ponelle's own words, "I am always
going from the score." But, in the same breath, he explained that
the composer's original intentions could not always be honored:
"An immediate approach is not possible today" - the sensitivity
of the 19th century and its customs are too far away. At times, the
tension between these two polarized approaches to staging the
opera created the sparks that brought the drama to life, and yet,
very often, the director's intentions worked at cross purposes,
producing absurd, even comical effects.
The basic set design was itself a visual delight: a grisaille of white,
grey and tan which extended into the wings and included numerous
stairways and entrances hung with scrim or faced with mirrors.
Ponelle refrained from abstract stage settings with minimal props,
preferring lush cinematic detail: even in the final act, when Violetta
has sold most of her belongings, there was nothing the director had
forgotten to place on her bed table - all in tasteful Second Empire
style.
Ponelle's dramatic conception was also cinematic, the opera's
act I prelude staged as a sort of flash back. Around a darkened stage
before full-length mirrors wandered an invisible figure holding a
candle and lighting the candelabra. Presumably, the action of the
drama has already happened and the figure is actually Violetta's
ghost. The figure eventually reached the dining table and, under dim
spotlights, uncovered the courtesan's corpse stretched out upon it.
Then, as the strains of the prelude died away, the corpse was again
covered up, the stage bathed in light - footlights, no less - and the
party guests sat down to dinner. (I thoroughly enjoyed this touch,
but couldn't stifle a devilish wish that one of the principals would
ad-lib, "E preparata la cena?" - "What's for dinner?"
...
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Ponelle handled the chorus in a way that, for the most part,
hope will set a precedent for subsequent HGO productions. They
never became just a sonic backdrop for the action or worse, selfconsciously
in the way. They added atmosphere in the first act,
singing, dancing and mingling behind entranceways and created
an illusion of merriment and partying on a grand scale. They participated
in the basic stage action, reacting and pointing at the principals.
In some scattered instances, this became a bit ludicrous as
when the chorus bounced up and down to the music in act I, but
the dimension this approach adds to the drama is immeasurable if
judiciously applied. Of particular note in the gambling scene, Ponelle
transformed the opening choruses from fatuous divertissements into
a critical commentary on bourgeoisie playing at being gypsies and
matadors. ·
In keeping with the visual emphasis of the production the cast
was exceptionally handsome. o woman has ever worn blac - quite
as stunningly as Catherine Malfitano in the gambling scene. Malfitano
has a pleasant mezza voce which fills every corner of the house
and a nice way with pianissimos, but hers is a voice that begins to
kick when put under the slightest strain. Dramatic outbursts were
delivered in a very thin, nasal tone and whenever she attempted to
swell a proper crescendo, the voice lost both its focus and its pitch.
Added to this, Malfitano wandered off pitch consistently and slid
and edged onto notes where attack on the phrases should be clean.
It made me wonder if Malfitano was able to hear hrself singing from
the stage. To her credit, Malfitano is a ' thinking' oprano not
afraid to try unorthodox vocal and dramatic touches on a orking
horse role like Violetta, and could turn it to her favor once she
settles into the coloratura of "Sempre libera' on h r own terms
and avoids overuse of her chest register, which is most unattractive.
As Violetta's lover Alfredo Louis Luma enjoyed most of the same
advantages and disadvantages of her partner in "demi-monderie.' He
cut an attractive figure as the impetuous young artist and has an
equally attractive tenor voice - medium-sized, bu~is?ed . ton~
even if not entirely under control. While Lumas smgmg m his
middle and lower registers was impeccable, his approaches to the
top notes were only occasionall successful and he ·wisely avoided
the interpolated high-C at the end of Alfredo s act H cabaletta. (I
discovered later that this was after Ponelle's directive that the score
be strictly observed - no cuts, no interpolations. This makes even
more dramatic and musical sense in Violetta's case, where Malfitano
sang the cadenza to 'Sempre libera' as written, ending on
middle A and foregoing the stratospheric E-flat above high-C which
is customary in performance.)
Ponelle's presentation of Alfredo's father Giorgio - who breaks
up the romance and precipitates the tragedy - was the most surprising
single aspect of the drama. Usually portrayed as paternally
burly, albeit loveable, baritone Brent Ellis played him as. a provi~cial
petit bourgeois, palsied and addled. The Sunday matmee audience
didn't know quite what to make of this approach and greeted
his unsteady entrances with nervous laughter. There was nothing
unsteady about Ellis's singing. He offered a firm line and flowing
cantabile in his first scene with Violetta ("Pura siccome un angelo ·)
even if he did not rise to the occasion of his scene with Alfredo
( 'Di provenza il mar").
Nevertheless, all roads lead to Rome and any successful presentation
of La Traviata must logically culminate in the final act with
Violetta's death scene. Here the succession of opulent sets which
had escalated in brilliance with each scene ground to a halt Violetta's
bed and nightstand before the divested central set piece
forming a sort of "auditorium bedroom. What Ponelle had saved
up for last was some interesting stage business that didn t always
meet its mark and was ultimately unsuccessful. I especially liked
the "hallucination" when the revellers usually kept discreetly
offstage, invaded the bedroom and danced with the dying Violetta
showering her with camellias. But the letter recitation - Verdi s
own kind of "flashback' written into the score - was dispatched
Continued on page 19
14 mav 1979 GAY A USTIN \ 101. 3. no. s
Last month we got familiar with the kitchen and learned a bit about soups.
In this month's column we will explore the fiendiShly tasty world of the casserole,
or as it is often referred to, the one-pot quickie.
There are few menu items so basic, so simple to prepare, so versatile as these.
Yet these same dishes are looked upon with scorn and even derision and bring
back the shuddery-horrid visions of university dorm food, and other less savory
institutions.
To prepare these dishes all one needs are earthenware, glass, pyrex, or metal
deep dishes for the oven-baked types and a dutch oven or large stewpot for
those prepared on the top of the stove.
In the following recipes some tinned veggies have been used. If the time is
available fresh is better but since most of us have harried and hectic lifestyles,
I have used the path ofleast resistance and feel that the overall taste and quality
have not been sacrificed.
Do not let the strange and confusing lists of ingredients throw you off course.
These are really simple and very handy for impromptu dinner parties and
buffets. So onward into the fray -
Texas Fandango
This is a recipe that bites you (gently), not your wallet. Created by a Yankee,
but still tasty.
I lb. chuck or arm roast, boneless, cut into small chunks
1 large white onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 can diced green chilies (small can)
I can stewed tomatoes
1 can tomato paste
2 cans pinto beans
Salt, pepper, garlic, cayenne
I 5-oz. package vermicelli
Brown meat with onion and pepper in about 2 tbsp. olive oil. Add tomatoes
and chilies, and ~ cup water. Simmer about a half hour. Add spices to taste,
and tomato paste. Let cook another hour. Cook the vermicelli according to
packa~ directions. Add beans to meat mixture. Serve over the vermicelli (rice
is also nice). Garnish with grated yellow cheese and chopped onion if you like.
This is good with a marinated cucumber salad.
Kung Phooey Chop Suey
This little number is handy for buffets, freezes well, and is perfect when
you're hungry but don't want something too heavy. The name of the recipe
is due to the fact that it came to me while drooling over half-naked bodies
prancing about in a Hong Kong Bruce Lee epic. Anyway ...
1 ~lbs. pork steak, cubed and cut away from the bone
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 can water chestnuts, chopped
1 can bamboo shoots, chopped
6 to 8 large mushrooms sliced
1 tin or* lb. bean sprouts
2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. garlic powder
~ tsp. white pepper
2 tbsp. soy sauce
Salt to taste
Brown meat in a dash of soy or peanut oil, add onion and rest of seasonings
and veggies. Simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile take 2 cups water, 6 tsp.
cornstarch, 2 tsp. soy sauce, and make a smooth mixture. Addto meat and
vegetables and bring to a low boil. Cook until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
Serve over rice or chow mein noodles.
A iourney into body awarene11.
Open Sat. 11-6
-.C% Gu.dalupe Aueein, Teue 717G5 (512) 4n-6128
by G. P. Stojcevic
Pork and Apple Dutchman Stew
This recipe is very similar to one I ate often when I visited Amsterdam.
With beef prices climbing faster than a squirrel monkey in heat, the lower
cost of pork makes it a very viable alternative.
4 large pork chops or steaks
4 apples cored and sliced
4 large carrots liced
1 white onion sliced
4 medium potatoes, quartered * cup white wine
*cup water
2 tsp. black pepper
Dash garlic powder
Salt to taste
Brown pork and onion in a dab of butter in a deep casserole dish. Add
veggies and apples, seasonings, water and wine. Pop in the oven at 250 to
300 degrees for I~ hours. Very good with steamed buttered cabbage, rolls,
and dark beer.
Continued from page 9
Dear Frank,
I hear a lot of criticism from gay people I admire of straight men
and the idea of having relationships with straight men. This concerns
me because throughout my life I have always found more acceptance,
affection, love, and - yes - sexual gratification from straight
men than I have with gay. And I don't mean closet cases or defensive
bisexuals but straight men whose regard for me was translated
into something on the affectionate-sexual scale and whose relationship
with me was a unique departure from a straight lifestyle.
It is not that I reject relationships with gay men - quite the
reverse. No doubt my appearance plays a decisive role in this. But
whether my appearance is the sign of some inner weakness or not,
I have become convinced after extensive efforts - some of which
left me temporarily psychotic -· that my appearance is likely to
remain a part of me. And that means either I accept the affection
offered by straight men or I wait for the return of Hailey's comet
for a date.
Have I got this all wrong? Am I to be drummed out of the ranks
of the gay for hopeless heterophilia? Should I join the ranks of the
celibate?
- A Minority of One
Dear One,
As gay people, we have had a special opportunity to see the danger
inherent in labeling any form of sexual expression abnormal or
"wrong." Unfortunately, some members of our gay community
appear to have missed this point. They would have us believe that
in rejecting the rigid and arbitrary rules of a heterosexual culture
we must accept the equally rigid and arbitrary rules of a homose ual
culture. I believe instead that part of being gay involves going beyond
narrow concepts of right and wrong in sexuality. Being gay involves
believing that the mutual expression of affection or love is good,
natural, and beautiful whenever it occurs, and not just when it
occurs between "acceptable" partners.
In seeking emotional and sexual relationships from those who
offer them to you, I do not believe you have gotten the gay lifestyle
"all wrong.' I would not favor your being "drummed out of the
ranks of the Gay." I urge you not even to seriously consider joining
"the ranks of the celibate."
- Frank
P.S. Since you do not give specifics on your appearance or on why it
interferes in your relationships with other gay men, I will only say
that all of us have some limitations which we arc unable to change.
About the only effective way to deal with these limitations is to
accept them and to live our lives to the fullest despite th m. This
you appear to be doing. V
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vol. 3,no.8 GAY AUSTIN ma 1979 15
I. PERCEPTIONS
by Amme Hogan
Two years, you said, two years
was the average cycle for staying
with a woman; at the end
of which time you ceased
all activity until the next
two years.
Your cycle has run in fives
and 1/4s with no
two-year length anywhere.
You insist on two years
as average.
II.
In a crowded room, you
rocked on your toes, staring into a glass,
hands in pockets finally
you appeared in front of me
demanding to shake my hand,
doubtful that I would. I did.
In your city, we met your friends
that night
met them in your old haunts .
So many people knew you,
smiled into your eyes.
An artist, you said, responding to a well-worn question;
And looking at your strong
square hands I knew you had an
artist's soul.
For all your friends, you went home
alone.
Do these things always start in crowded rooms?
III. TRANSGRESSIONS
Despite a growing certainty that we had met,
in some previous life doubtless, I
wanted to know you. We spent
an evening together and you cried through a hard-shelled
exterior about the movie.
A friend had died in Nam and you still
remembered.
You then laughed at my youth, knowing that I had no
friends killed in the war. Bristling, I informed you
that my friends had had their minds fried in
institutions for being who they are.
My vehemence startled you and you hastened to assure me
that you never cry, especially not at movies.
IV.
And how we strove to assure ourselves
that we were
just
only
notpossiblyanythingelse
going to fall asleep together
We were tired
You were lonely (seven months since
your last cycle)
I wanted to hold you, make you feel better
after your tears.
When you finally hugged me your body
spoke of comforting,
not sleeping.
You were beautiful in your hesitation, yet
your d~cision was already made.
You never got involved with people who were already involved
you said after l told you l was involved.
You stayed the night
an additional guest where
I was guest. Too far to drive home,
you said. Later I found what a short distance it was.
And even later it felt as if I were a transgressor.
V. PREDICTIONS
Familiarity breeds carelessness
But we are careful with each other
tonight in strangerways.
If you knew me better you
might be hurt by my care of a stranger.
But tonight you are the stranger
just as my lover was once a stranger.
16 rnay 1979 GAY AUSTIN \101. 3. n
JUNK FOOD MOVIES
Something weird is happening in Hollywood.
I realize that might sound a tad redundant, since Hollywood
pratically invented the word "weird," so I should explain. Toss
aside the usual Tinseltown stuff - earthquakes, "est," kinky sex,
even the Oscars. This goes to the very heart of our film culture.
To wit: in the last few years, the movie industry seems to have
come full circle, returning after nearly three decades to schlocky,
vacuous formula cinema.
When television invaded the nation in the early Fifties, eroding the
broad support cinema had enjoyed for decades, Hollywood was
forced to re-define its intentions. By the mid-Sixties it had found a
niche, providing an outlet for themes and ideas that T.V. couldn't
touch at the time. Many films of the Sixties, whether great or small,
expensive or cheap, concentrated in one way or another on the
torment and upheaval that society was experiencing. Movies like
Dr. Stangelove, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Midnight Cowboy,
and Kenneth Anger's Scorpio Rising surged with energy, innovation
and, in some cases, an underlying contempt for the predictable,
seemingly irrelevant cinema that for the most part had characterized
mainstream Hollywood. This trend continued somewhat in the early,
pre-Watergate Seventies, particularly in films like A Clockwork
Orange, Cabaret and Francis Ford Coppola's 11ze Conversation.
which may be the supreme example of unrelenting alienation in
contemporary American film.
But somehow, in the last few years, schlock has found its way
back to the wide screen.
This is not to say there aren't any meaningful, powerful films any
more, or films that don't compromise in dealing with society's ills.
1 'aslzville, , nnie Hall and even Days of Hea11en have continue the
Sixties' imperative in their own masterful ways. And l also don t
mean to imply that formula cinema has been completely dormant
for twenty-five years. Seldom does any genre disappear completely·
in this case, it simply diminished to insignificance. But the pendulum
is swinging once again this time in the opposite direction. More and
more cliche-'ridden, predictable movies are popping up, and I mean
major productions. Lately it's become difficult to tell the features
from the junk food at the concession stand. Both are prettily packaged,
very sweet to the taste, and expensive as hell. But if you eat
too much, you get sick. And America is currently suffering from an
acute case of cinematic indigestion.
Contemporary junk food cinema has murky origins, but I'm willing
to cite Rocky as the trend-setter. This relatively cheap, seemingly
harmless little film came out of nowhere to seduce movie-going
America to a rather remarkable degree. Almost overnight everybody
was talking about a talented young hunk named 'Sly" Stallone and
his marvelous, "old-fashioned" movie. Had the adulation stopped
with the reviews and box office receipts, Rocky would have been
a handsome success. But it went on to win the Best Picture Oscar,
leaving in its wake such notable films as etwork and All The President's
1en. It was a spectacular triumph for Stallone. But it was
also an ominous reflection of the tone of our times, of America's
craving for hope and anachronistic values, and it started a trend
that filmgoers are now paying for dearly, in more ways than one.
INDIVIDUAL & RELATIONAL
COUNSELING
Andrew Fono
2004112
GUADALUPE 472-7690
by Bob Prewitt
After Rocky came Star Wars (whose story everybody knows),
The Goodbye Girl and, last summer, HcatJen Can itJait, which stands
as something of a turning point. Not only was "Heaven" the first
modern junk food movie to feature a bonafide star, Warren Beatty,
but Beatty produced, co-directed and co-wrote the film as well.
When you consider Beatty's career prior to "Heaven" - in particular,
the daring, renegade reputations of his best-known efforts,
Bonnie and Clyde and Shampoo - it's enough to give pause. In a
way, Beatty has single-handedly endorsed and legitimized modem
junk food cinema.
In the interim between "Heaven" and the present Supennan has
come and almost gone, vanquishing American rather unevenly, but
nevertheless lucratively. And now we must endure yet another batch
of schlock, the most syrupy and offensive offered so far.
One of Hollywood's latest brainshowers is already in town: T/1e
Champ. Director Franco Zeffirelli (Romeo and Juliet; the wonderful
television production of jesir of Nazareth) has remade King Vidor's
1933 movie, and regardless of how you feel about junk food films,
it's clear that he's botched it. Tlze Champ is something of a Rocky
Goes Sou th. In fact it's safe to say that this version of The Champ
would not be here were it not for Rocky's success. Both films
concern the lives of ostensibly washed-up boxers, but beyond that,
Continued on page 18
KUT-FM'S ROCK OF AGES PRESENTS
TOWN BLOODY HALL
a film by D .A. Pennebaker
and Chris Hegedus
A laugh-out-loud documentary with
Norman Mailer, Germaine Greer.
Direct from New York's
Whitney Museum of American Art.
Austin Premier showing!
also
TRICIA'S (NIXON) WEDDING
by Sebastian with the Cockettes
Wednesday May 2, 1979 8:00 pm $2.00
BKatts UHallT U..T . BD.7
8
G
es
2.00
vol. 3, no. s GAY AUSTIN ma~/ 1979 17
V~NVl~SMS
EVERYBODY'S DOING IT DISCO!
The list of rock stars dabbling in disco continues to grow. Recent
releases include Cheap Trick's "Gonna Raise Hell," Wet Willie's
"Weekend," Frank Zappa's "Dancin' Fool" (from the album Sheik
Yerbouty) The Kinks' "(I Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman," and
Elvis Costello's "Pump It Up." Further proof that disco really is
a musical phenomenon and not just a passing fad.
Warren Schatz, vice-president of RCA records, is denying reports
that his company plans to release remixed versions of several old
Elvis Presley songs for disco play. Let's hope he's right.
Helen Reddy is making another play for the disco market, having
failed last year with her cover version of Deborah Washington's
"Ready or Not." This time she is releasing a twelve-inch single of
"Make Love To Me," which many of you remember was first recorded
last year by Kelly Marie. Doing cover versions of other artists'
songs is nothing new to Ms. Reddy, who has scored in the past with
her own renditions of "I Don't Know How To Love Him" (from the
roack opera Jesus Christ, Superstar), "Delta Dawn," and "Emotion:'
May I suggest that, in order to obtain a degree of success in the field
of disco, she try doing something original for once?
Not to be outdone by her peers, Barbra Streisand is now planning
to release a disco single of her own, written by Paul ("Last Dance")
J abara nd Bruce Roberts. 11-ie song may or may not be used as the
theme from Tlze Main Event, her upcoming film with Ryan O'Neal.
Watch for a remix of the "The Runner" by the Three Degrees. The
song is taken from their album New Dimensions, one of the best and
most underrated records of the year. Spearheaded by super-producer
Giorgio Moroder, the LP features several fine cuts, including "Giving
Up, Giving In" and' Looking or Lc;>Ve." Chee it out.
by Dennis Haney
The Bombers have put out a new album entitled, appropriately
enough, Bombers II, that features their hit disco single "(Everybody)
Get Dancin' ." Watch also for Donna Summer's next albuni callt>
Bad Girl. The single from that LP, "Hot Stuff," is already riding
high on the charts. Sarah Dash follows up her current hit, "Sinner
Man," with "(Come And Take This) Candy From Your Baby."
Giorgio Moroder is producing Sparks' new disco single "La Dolce
Vita.''
Panic! is the name of the new album by a group called French
Kiss. Although a bit repetitious at times, the LP is notable for the
title hit and the instrumental "Mischief." From Simon Soussan,
producer of Arpeggio and Pattie Brooks, this disc should fa.re well
with discophiles everywhere.
Reprimands are in order for Polydor and RSO Records for releasing
twelve-inch singles, pulling them from the market as soon
as they begin to gain popularity, and putting out higher-priced
albums in their place. In some instances, the twelve-inchers never
even reach many cities. Recent victims of this unscrupulous practice
include David Naughton's "Makin' It" and Alton McClain and
Destiny's "It Must Be Love." When will these record companies
learn to stop abusing the people who keep them in business?
It seems just about everyone wants a piece of the action: Engelbert
Humperdinck is dropping his last name and trying for a new
image with his disco version of the old Elvis Presley hit, "Can't
Help Falling In Love With You"; Andy Williams is releasing a disco
version of "Love Story"; and, most unbelievable of all, Porter
Waggoner is following in the steps of his old pal Dolly Parton with
a disco version of "The Star Spangled Banner." When all else fails,
try disco, right? '1
THE ~OLE OF §5! E D~SCO DJ
The disco dj's function is quite complex and is greatly misunderstood
by most disco-goers. It involves much more than simply playing
records and is determined by several factors. Because of the lack
of understanding of the complexities of the job, there are conflicts
between disco-goers and the dj that could be avoided with an increased
awareness of the dj's role. These conflicts are usually centered
around requests; many people a.re quite puzzled by the dj's
lack of enthusiasm in taking and playing them.
The primary function of the disco spinner is to keep the crowd
happy and the way the dj knows he or she is accomplishing this feat
705 RED RIVER 472-0418
by David Drake
is by observing how active the dance floor is. The dj must be able to
feel out the crowd each night and program the music in a way th:it
will keep the people dancing. Programming involves deciding the
order in which selections are played and the actual selections themselves.
It would be easy enough to do this if one played only established
hits, but to provide variety and innovation the dj has to work
in new songs whenever possible. Since people usually like to dance
to songs they know new ones have to be carefully and selectively
played. This also means making ones way through .the 100 or more
Continued on page 18
--------------------~~ ,-------------------
th
2 532 Guadalupe
'~1t l/,,e adt1Je man''
b Is In a
Aaywher •
I
I r al •••
18 may 1979 GAY AUSTIN vol.3, n
Junk t=()()d M()Vies
Continued from page 16
any similarities are coincidental. In The Champ, the fighter (Jon
Voight) is retired, a habitual gambler and beer drinker, and sole
parent to a precocious, highly impressionable little boy named T.J.
(Ricky Schroder). The two live next to a horse-race track, amid other
flunkies who seem to spend most of their time oohing and aahing
at The Champ's eccentricities. Enter T.J.'s mother (Faye Dunaway,
looking like the fat sister of Botticelli's "Venus"), who eight years
earlier had left the family for life in the upper class with a more
sophisticated hubby. Naturally Mother decides T.J. is adorable and
wants him on weekends. Naturally, The Champ resists this notion
fiercely, feeling her intrusion a blow to his self-respect and dignity
as a man and a father. Naturally this leads him back to the ring to
prove himself to the world, and naturally, (yawn) after a brutal
con test, he gains not only the heart of Mom and the everlasting
devotion of T.J., but a bout with that Supreme Heavyweight in
the Sky. In between all this predictable melodrama, and often
during it, T.J. either cries, or chirps "Champ! Champ! Champ!
After a while he begins to sound like an irritating parakeet, and
you can almost sympathize with Daddy when he finally slaps the
kid into momentary silence.
Sadly, the stars of this film can do little to elevate their material.
Voight and Dunaway make a useless pairing; they have no chemistry
whatsoever. Voight, for his part, is affecting, but he never
achieves the degree of sensitivity and warmth that distinguished his
work in Coming Home. And the accent he has created for the role
doesn't help any. It's a cross between Stallone and "Waterfront"
Brando.
Dunaway of course, has never been warm, and in this film she
looks particularly cold against the California tans of her co-stars.
Still, she comes as close as she ever has to being sympathetic, especially
in her climactic scene with Schroder. The problem lies partly
in the character. In Eyes of Laura 1ars, at least Dunaway played
a vbrant career woman, a fashion photographer. In The Champ she
has devolved into a languid fashion show emcee, and the part seems
tainted with sexism. Small wonder the gifted actress gives less than
an inspired performance.
Schroder is a talented youngster, probably the best of the current
crop of child actors, but he's not overwhelming as some would have
you believe. For one thing, remote-control tear ducts can only fascinate
for so long.
LEGAL SERVICES
AT REASONABLE FEES
The Legal clinic charges $15 for your initial consultation session with
an atto(ney. There is no ime limit. If you need or want additional services,
we will supply you with a written fee quotation. If you don't wish
to go on with a case after consultation, you are under no further obligation.
, Uncontested divorce (no property or children) ................. $100.
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, Simple will, individual ........................................................... $45.
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Legal fees quoted above do not include court costs. These fees are
for cases filed in Travis County between April 9, 1979-June 30, 1979.
Fees for legal work outside Travis County will be higher.
Job Injury, Personal Injury, Criminal and other Civil Cases not listed
above are accepted.
Please call for an appointment. o legal advice wi I be given
over the telephone.
LEGAL CLINIC AT 617 BLANCO
Austin, Texa 78703 512-477-1700
Vivian Mahlab
HOURS: on.-Fri. 9-4: Evenings & eekends by appointment
The real problem with this movie is Zeffrrelli. While there are some
good moments (chiefly when he's filming Schroder or other
children), there are more often bad ones. The film has no subtlety
(violins swell at every opportunity), and the way it demands
that you cry, that you be affected, is insulting. You feel manipulated.
By far the worst scene, however, suffers merely from a case
of technical incompetence: the climactic fight is embarassing to
watch, a mangled mess of poor staging, poor camera work and poor
editing.
Perhaps the best moment in The Champ is purely unintentional.
During an early confrontation scene, there is a shot of Dunaway,
standing rigidly, glaring at Voight. Just before the cut, a fly zooms
in and kamikazis the dignified actress right in the eye. She blinks
furiously, but manages to keep her composure. Miraculously, this
take has ended up in Zeffirelli's film.
That's entertainment?
Two things worry me. First, the sight of Voight and Dunaway in
this project. Are we to believe this is the best material they've been
offered? Can they really feel good about playing in, and thus endorsing,
this junk food movie? Is this the cue for Redford, Nicholson,
Keaton, Hoffman, et al.? (Streisand has already taken a minor
wade-in with A Star Is Born; Fonda likewise with an old-fashioned
thriller, Tlze China Syndrome.) Big-name stars increase the chances
of a big gross. A big gross means more of the same kind of movie
in the future. Which means more junk food, and probably fewer
truly valuable or at least atisfying efforts. Is that what Voight,
the star of the searing 1/idnight Cowboy and the ground-breaking
Coming Home, really wants? Or Dunaway, Warren Beatty's co-star
in that pioneering Sixties ballad, Bonnie and Clyde?
ec n , · aud'enc fall for Tlze Champ? I'm betting they will.
Voight is hot right now. The movie's got a talented little kid, an
exciting horse race, and a grueling, punch-packed boxing match.
It has enough bathos to satisfy even the most demanding sentimentalist.
In short, it's the kind of movie America can't get enough of
right now. The next question has to be, why? \I
D~SCO DJ
Continued from page 17
new songs released each month to pick out the 10 or 20 with the
most potential. They must then be played at the right times to
familiarize people with them without losing the dance floor.
The majority of disco spinners program their selections according
to beats-per-minute (BPM's), working up to a peak of around 140
(for e ample, Amii Stewart s Knock On hood) and then gradually
(or in some cases, rapidly) returning to a slower BPM (Do Ya 'J hink
I'm Sexy by Rod Stewart). This is done for variety, since a constant,
rapid BPM becomes tiresome, as docs a slow one. Variety maintains
a higher interest level. This up and down progression is one reason
the dj may tell people making requests that it will be a long time
before their songs can be played. If the spinner is working up to a
fast BPM and someone requests a slower song, it will tak some time
to work back down after reaching the peak.
The mix or blend (segue) is another factor that comes into play
since songs with conflicting sounds cannot be successfully mixed.
ow to tie all this together with the question of requests. Through
e peri nee and knowledge the dj is best suited to "read" the crowd
nd choose which songs should be played on which nights and at
what point in the night. A brand new song would not usually be
good choice on a slower, more laid back night. It ca11 be quite
frustrating for a dj to receive a forceful request for a song when
it against his or her better judgment to play it, or even impossibl
to do so t that point in the night. If the dj plays th song and
lo s th dance floor, then he or she is not doing a good job.
t is not po sibL to ple ev ryone. A good di co dj is one who,
through th bility to program the music, is able to pl < s th
m jority. \I
vc
t
t
li
n vol. 3, no. s GAY AUSTIN ma) 1979 19
La Traviala
Continued from page 13
with an auditory trick: as baritone Ellis read the words backstage
over a loudspeaker, Malfitano mouthed them in bed. Not only did
this destroy the delicate mood established by the act III prelude, it
had more to do with "The Exorcist" than any reinterpretation of
19th century operatic theater. More disturbing than this was the
most energetic death scene imaginable, more worthy of Tosca,
than a consumptive Violetta. After singing the duet, "Parigi, o cara,"
from opposite ends of the proscenium, Alfredo held an hysterical
Violetta who stood up in bed and flailed her arms about. Had I not
known better, I would have suspected the cause of death to be an
epileptic seizure.
] olm DeMain led the orchestra with lots of briskness, which kept
things moving while it glossed over many of the rhythmic subtleties
of the score. Soft-loud-soft dynamics and slow-fast-slow tempi do
not do this music justice although DcMain revealed many harmonic
aspects - specifically in the orchestral preludes - that are rarely
heard. As usual, the orchestra players themselves were up to their
standard, which is to say, up to the caliber of any house orchestra
in the country. V'
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I * [)I cu IJALL I • + •• •• A <
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i • •• •• •• •• :~: GCS sponsgrs ifs annual CostumeBall :~:
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~: 300 East Sixth Street :~:
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Moving to AUSTIN?
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'rllJ!n:e ~llJiir s 1JR1
324 S. Congress /a part of Austin's growing gay community
2on1ay 1979 GAY AUSTIN vol. 3, n
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